"120 million!"
This shocking price was just announced, only to be ruthlessly surpassed.
"140 million!" the Liu Family Head said in a deep voice. "Everyone here is wealthy. How about we increase the bid by no less than 20 million each time?"
As his words fell, many felt pressured.
At this price point, the liquidated damages alone would be tens of millions of star coins, far exceeding the entire fortune of most people. Therefore, those whose finances were insufficient became mere spectators, watching the scene unfold with envy.
"The Liu Family Head has courage. My City Lord's Mansion will follow!"
A majestic voice echoed from a private room on the second floor. The crowd recognized it as the City Lord's voice and was instantly surprised.
They hadn't expected even the City Lord, who lived reclusively and rarely showed himself, to be present. The allure of this talent crystal was truly immense.
The City Lord, stroking his prayer beads, chuckled, "I bid 160 million. Your turn, Liu Family Head."
His casually announced price suggested he had so much cash on hand that he didn't care about over a hundred million star coins.
The Liu Family Head tapped his fingers on the table, maintaining a calm expression. "I'll follow, 180 million!"
The crowd's breathing quickened at the price. It was too high.
After all, one-third of the Li Family's assets was worth over 200 million star coins. Their total assets were estimated to be over 700 million. The Liu Family and the Li Family were of similar scale.
Yet, they were now spending a quarter of that to acquire an E-class talent crystal. Although it was a precious space-attribute talent crystal, its grade was not high. Many felt they were being too extravagant.
It's important to remember that assets are one thing, and liquid capital is another.
Some people have millions in assets, but you'd be hard-pressed to get a million out of them.
Similarly, although these families had temporarily mobilized liquid funds before the auction, the time was short, and they might not have sufficient liquid capital.
Those who knew the families well shook their heads. "Are these two just puffing themselves up? Is it worth it for a single talent crystal?"
"I bid 200 million star coins. If Brother Liu wishes to continue bidding, I will concede this item to him." The City Lord, stroking his prayer beads, called out loudly.
As his words ended, the crowd was slightly taken aback. The City Lord was quite forthright. However, this maneuver effectively shifted the pressure to the Liu Family Head.
If the other party bid again, he could withdraw from the competition without losing face. If the other party did not bid, he would acquire the talent crystal.
This was his psychological price limit; anything higher would not be worth it.
At this very moment.
The Liu Family Head was tapping his fingers, his brow furrowed. He had proposed a 20 million increase each time precisely to put pressure on others, but now the pressure had shifted to him.
Should he bid or not?
"Is our cash sufficient?" the Liu Family Head asked those beside him.
"Family Head, it is not!"
The Liu Family Head's heart sank. He looked out at the main hall, where the crowd was already in a buzz.
"Two major financial powers clashing in a battle of wealth. This is the biggest gossip of the year."
"I wonder if the Liu Family Head will continue to bid. After all, 220 million might be too much for the Liu Family too."
"If they buy this talent crystal, the Liu Family's business might shrink by a quarter."
"Look, the Liu Family Head is looking this way. Is he about to place a bid?"
Everyone's gaze turned towards the private room of the Liu Family Head. They saw him poking his head out, surveying the surroundings. His brow was furrowed, and he felt very uncomfortable being stared at. He was about to order someone to go and retrieve 20 million star coins.
The next moment, a familiar voice rang out.
Everyone froze, then mechanically turned their heads to look at the private room that had consistently surprised them.
201!
The next moment, Bai Qianlang's voice came:
"A friend from room 201 has increased the bid by 30 million, bringing the total to 230 million star coins. Are there any higher bids? If not, this third centerpiece item will once again fall into the hands of the friend in room 201."
As his words fell, everyone's expressions became peculiar.
Who exactly was in room 201?
If one included this 230 million star coins, their total spending today was close to 300 million. Even the top families in Ji City couldn't produce that much cash. Where did this person get so much money?
Many were filled with curiosity and began to consider investigating the occupant of room 201.
The City Lord was slightly stunned, then let out a wry smile. "Alas, I can't compete. If I bid any higher, the tigress at home will get angry."
Although he was the City Lord and held a significant position in Ji City, being the highest administrative official, he was an official transferred from above. In terms of heritage, he was inferior to even the Liu Family.
The City Lord stopped stroking his prayer beads and called out loudly, "Might I ask this friend to reveal themselves? So that I may fulfill my duties as a host!"
He had concluded that the occupant of room 201 was an outsider. Upon hearing this, some people's eyes flickered, and they looked menacingly towards 201.
Lin Yu calmly replied, "No need!"
A very indifferent response, making it impossible to fathom his intentions.
The Liu Family Head stopped tapping his table and sighed, "This item is not destined for me. I withdraw."
With the two biggest bidders giving up, the crystal finally fell into Lin Yu's hands.
Bai Qianlang glanced at the direction of 201 with some surprise, thinking to himself: This Lin Yu is truly willing to spend. He just obtained a fortune and is now spending it all.
He closed his folding fan with a snap and said,
"Congratulations to the friend in room 201 for acquiring the third centerpiece item, and congratulations to this friend for obtaining the three most precious items of this auction. A server will personally deliver the items to you shortly for an in-person transaction."
All three centerpiece items were obtained by an unknown person, leaving everyone extremely curious. Who was this person?
The Liu Family Head ordered his subordinates, "You two, go and guard outside room 201. As soon as he appears, take his photo immediately, then follow him and investigate his background."
The City Lord also instructed his men, "You go and lie in wait at the entrance. If he appears, remember to be friendly and do not offend him."
Not only them, but several other groups also began to act.
After every auction concludes, similar situations arise. It's unavoidable, as wealth stirs the heart.
Lin Yu took the talent crystal from the server, paid the money, and completed the transaction.
As he was about to leave, the server said,
"Mr. Lin, my master hopes you will leave through the secret passage, as there are already people waiting for you outside."
The Bai Family Head was well aware of the temperaments of the leaders of various factions. It was difficult for these individuals to maintain their positions without a ruthless streak.
Unlike him, he had the Old Master's support to keep things stable, so no one dared to defy his orders.
This time, the three centerpiece items of the auction were too precious. It was possible that someone might take a risk and attempt to rob him.
Therefore, he had arranged for someone to guide Lin Yu through a secret passage in advance, to prevent such incidents.
Lin Yu nodded upon hearing this and said, "Please convey my thanks to your master!"
Carrying the item, he followed the server and exited the private room through a hidden door. Midway, he took advantage of the server's inattention to discreetly create a clone.
The main body turned and blended into the main hall, while the clone followed the server through the secret passage.
When the crowd had dispersed, his true body also left the auction house with the rest of the people.
This maneuver went unnoticed by anyone.
It wasn't that he didn't trust Bai Qianlang, but rather that one must be careful in all matters. Living cautiously meant living longer, a survival philosophy constantly instilled in him by Zhao Ke.
The main body successfully left the auction house, and the clone also left. No unexpected incidents occurred along the way.
After dispelling the clone, Lin Yu returned home directly, as it was already late.
Meanwhile.
The Liu Family Head frowned. "What? You didn't see him come out?"
The City Lord also recalled his people, as did the other factions.
In no time, the story of the wealthy patron from room 201, who had spent 300 million to purchase three items at the auction, spread widely throughout the city.
Speculation about the true identity of the guest from room 201 was rampant.
Some guessed he was an adventurer from another world, while others speculated he was the young master of a major city.
There were even those who guessed it was Lin Yu, but this theory was met with widespread laughter.